Summary

The scene reverts to a tropical place. Laureline, Valerian, and Albert are seated at a table drinking iced beverages. They are talking about the oppressive heat in the Tunisian Sahara, especially compared to the freezing temperatures of a short time earlier. Albert confirms that he does not know who has been hiring them or why they are in this location now. Albert points out that Galaxity of the future has disappeared, meaning they are all technically “unemployed,” though an unknown person is now assigning them tasks and paying them. (31). Valerian says he cannot figure out the connection between the nuclear power plant problem in Russia and their current location, which seems utterly peaceful. Laureline points out that she has seen many men wearing burnous, and that they are all leading pack animals or carrying items away from...